Republic of Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson is expecting some of her fringe squad players to seize their chance to impress in tomorrow evening's Euro 2025 play-off semi-final first leg against Georgia.
Megan Campbell (ankle), Jess Ziu (knee), Ruesha Littlejohn (Achilles), Louise Quinn (hip), Megan Connnolly (hamstring) and Jamie Finn (knee) are all out, while goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan is suspended.
It opens the door for others to stake a claim, with Gleeson confident there will be no complacency against a team ranked 118th in the world, one Ireland defeated 9-0 and 11-0 during qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
"You're dealing with players that are professional now and understand that you'll play teams of varying levels... so the mindset we've been promoting is definitely maintaining intensity and intent and just not being complacent around this game because, as we all know, anything can happen in football.
"It's an opportunity for other people to step up and take their opportunity. We'll see tomorrow who makes that."
Gleeson gave little away when asked who amongst Sophie White house - in line for a debut - Grace Moloney and Athlone Town teenager Katie Keane could replace Brosnan between the sticks.
"Emma (Byrne) does a lot of work with them, our goalkeeping coach. We know what the girls are about and we've brought young Katie (Keane) in for exposure. The three of them are doing well, they all bring something different. We'll see tomorrow who makes that one.
"I often, often think about and commend goalkeepers because there is typically a No 1 and it's the ultimate team player to be the No 2 and push the No 1. Grace and Sophie, they are really great team players and they have obviously supported Courtney in everything she does. Now they have their opportunity to step in.
"We'll hope (the chosen keeper) is definitely not busy and anything she does she does well."
In defence, the absence of towering centre-back Quinn is a setback, though Gleeson pointed out the impressive strength in depth Ireland now have in that area with Jessie Stapleton, Aoife Mannion, Caitlin Hayes, Anna Patten and Niamh Fahey all available to fill the void.
Of more interest perhaps will be who will start in attack.
Kyra Carusa is back after missing the last window with a hamstring issue. Galway United's Julie-Ann Russell made a massive impression in Carusa's absence, scoring against England and France. Gleeson hinted at pairing the two up front, adding: "They bring very different attributes. We're delighted to have Kyra back, she really is a great character, a big personality around the squad and a great leader.
"Julie-Ann has been magnificent as we know since she came in but like I said, they bring different qualities. We want Kyra to stick the ball, Julie will run more, so it's a nice combination and it's great to have that compeititon.
"We've also got Leanne (Kiernan) threatening in there as welll and Amber (Barrett) so it is nice to be in that position."
